156 THE ANTAKCTIC VOYAGE : PEESONAL 



The characteristic note of his early religious training appears 

 in his words : 



Mr. Nelson and Susan have now, I trust, met with him, 

 and little as worldly affairs have to do with the state above, 

 I can never divest myself of the idea, that one, though a 

 small share of the pleasures that attend the good, is the 

 meeting of those whom our God and duty have sanctioned 

 our loving. ... Do not think I repine at this dispensation, 

 nor at the additional and not less felt one of my Grandpapa's 

 illness. I have far too much to be thankful for both for 

 myself and for those who are left, and if there is one thing 

 that cheers my thoughts of home, it is having a faithful 

 sister of my own age. You perhaps do not know how 

 responsible your situation at home is, and it is my great 

 happiness to think that when sorrow weighs down my parents 

 they can feel full confidence in you. Were I not sure that 

 this is the case, it would make me miserable indeed. 



To his father, who had also warned him of his sister's illness, 

 he writes (July 6, 1841) : 



For my part I can hardly bear to think upon the probabiHty 

 that I shall return to the house I left so lively and merry, 

 and not hear a single gladsome voice, no music and none of 

 the attractions that used to welcome me home every winter 

 night from college. My affection for those who remain 

 will indeed be greater, but of how much sadder a nature 

 will their welcome be than what my vivid fancy has been 

 accustomed to paint when thoughts of home were my only 

 solace. 



As to the prospect of his father leaving Glasgow for Kew : 



I sincerely hope he may for his own sake ; for my own 

 I am quite indifferent ; except Jas. Mitchell, I have no 

 friends that I care about except Adamson now that Thomson 

 and the Steuarts are gone. I shall, however, always look 

 upon the dirtj^ Town as the only place connected with old 

 associations, and whatever attractions other places may have 

 for me, none can have localities so endeared to me as that 

 Town which is the same as my birthplace. It is true I 

 have no friends there, but equally I have none elsewhere ; 



